Copy and Compare PowerShell Script

Overview

This PowerShell script is designed to copy files from a source disk/directory to a destination disk/directory and then compare the files using SHA256 hashing to ensure data integrity. This script uses GUI elements, so no CLI familiarity is required for usage.

Features

• Copy Files: Copies files from specified source to a specified destination.
• File Comparison: Compares files between the source and destination using SHA256 hashing.
• Progress Bar: Displays a progress bar during the copy and comparison processes. If the source and destination are fast enough, you may miss it!
• Error Handling: A dialog box should show an error message if something unexpected happens.
• Exclusions: Excludes common system and metadata folders from the copy and comparison processes.

Prerequisites

• PowerShell
• .NET Framework (for GUI components)

If you're on Windows 10 22H2 or Windows 11, you shouldn't have to install anything.

How to Use

1. Run the Script: Execute the script in PowerShell.
2. Readiness Check: A prompt will ask if the source, destination, and (if needed) a separate disk for results are connected to the computer. Click ‘Yes’ to proceed once you have verified.
3. Select Source: Choose the source directory or disk containing the files to be copied. All files in the source will be hashed and a progress bar may show.
4. Select Destination: Choose the destination directory or disk where the files will be copied.
5. Copy Process: The script will copy the files and may display a progress bar.
6. Comparison Process: After copying, the script will compare the source and destination data using SHA256 hashing and may display a progress bar.
7. Save Results: Once the comparison is complete, choose a location to save the comparison results as a CSV file. This CSV is used to verify that every single file matches between source and destination.
8. Completion: A message will confirm that the comparison results have been saved. You are done!

Error Handling

• If the source or destination directories are invalid, the script will alert the user and exit.
• If any file mismatches are detected during the comparison, the script will alert the user to check the media and try again.

Exclusions

The script excludes files and folders with 'System' attributes, as well as the following common system and metadata folders:

• .Trashes
• .Spotlight-V100
• .fseventsd
• System Volume Information

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Invalid Source or Destination

• Issue: The script alerts that the source or destination directory is invalid.
• Solution: Ensure that the directories are correctly connected and accessible. Verify the paths and try again. Ensure that your destination is not write-protected.

2. File Mismatches Detected

• Issue: The script detects mismatches between the source and destination files.
• Solution: Check the integrity of the source media - inspect for scratches (if optical media) or damage. Delete the destination copy, or try again in a different destination, and run the script again. Ensure no files on either Source or Destination are open while the script is running.

3. Progress Bar Not Displaying

• Issue: The progress bar does not appear during the copy or comparison processes.
• Solution: As long as you didn't get an error, it's possible the file copy and hashing jobs went by so quickly that the progress bar didn't have time to appear.

4. Script Exits Unexpectedly

• Issue: The script exits without completing the copy or comparison.
• Solution: Check for any error messages displayed by the script. Ensure all prerequisites are met and that there are no interruptions during the script execution.

5. CSV File Not Saving

• Issue: The script fails to save the comparison results as a CSV file.
• Solution: Verify the save location is accessible and is not write-protected. Ensure the file path is valid and try saving again.